Quick charity verification for Detroit Techno Foundation (EIN: 204735521)
Verdict: Detroit Techno Foundation appears trustworthy
75/100Mission Score
$472KRevenue
$47KAssets
2Red Flags
3Strengths
Red Flags
Highly inconsistent revenue history, including a year with $0 revenue and another with only $2,000, which can hinder long-term planning.
Lack of detailed expense breakdown in the provided data makes it difficult to fully assess spending efficiency across categories.
Strengths
Consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all filings, indicating a strong commitment to mission-focused spending.
Maintained zero liabilities across all reported periods, demonstrating sound financial management and avoidance of debt.
Significant increase in latest reported revenue to $471,923, suggesting recent growth or successful fundraising efforts.
Spending Breakdown
How Detroit Techno Foundation allocates its funds across programs, administration, and fundraising.
80%
Program Spending
Healthy — majority goes to mission
10%
Admin Costs
Reasonable — admin costs in check
10%
Fundraising
Within typical range
How to read this: Well-run charities typically spend 75% or more on programs, keep admin under 25%, and fundraising under 15%. A high program ratio means more of every dollar goes directly to the mission.
How to Interpret This Report
What Red Flags Mean
Red flags are potential warning signs identified by AI analysis of IRS 990 filings. They may indicate issues like declining revenue, high executive pay relative to program spending, lack of transparency, or governance concerns. A single red flag does not necessarily mean an organization is untrustworthy, but multiple flags warrant further investigation before donating.
What Mission Score Measures
The Mission Score (0-100) evaluates how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated purpose. It combines multiple factors: program spending efficiency (how much goes to programs vs. overhead), financial health and sustainability, governance quality, transparency in reporting, and consistency of operations over time. A score of 70+ indicates strong alignment with the organization’s mission.
Using This Data for Donation Decisions
Use this report as one input in your decision. Look at the overall Mission Score for a quick assessment, review red flags and strengths for specific concerns, check the spending breakdown to see where money goes, and compare executive compensation to the organization’s size. Consider viewing the full transparency report for deeper analysis, and always verify tax-exempt status with the IRS before making large donations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Detroit Techno Foundation
Is Detroit Techno Foundation a legitimate charity?
Based on AI analysis of IRS 990 filings, Detroit Techno Foundation (EIN: 204735521) appears trustworthy. Mission Score: 75/100. 2 red flags identified, 3 strengths noted.
Is Detroit Techno Foundation a good charity to donate to?
Detroit Techno Foundation has a Mission Score of 75/100. Revenue: $472K. Assets: $47K. Review the full transparency report for detailed spending breakdown and executive compensation analysis.
What is the EIN for Detroit Techno Foundation?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) for Detroit Techno Foundation is 204735521. This is the unique tax ID assigned by the IRS.
What is a Mission Score?
The Mission Score is a 0-100 rating that measures how effectively a nonprofit fulfills its stated mission. It factors in program spending efficiency, financial transparency, governance practices, and outcome reporting. Scores above 70 indicate strong mission alignment, 40-69 suggest mixed performance, and below 40 signals potential concerns.
How does Detroit Techno Foundation spend its money?
Detroit Techno Foundation allocates 80% to programs, 10% to administration, and 10% to fundraising. Healthy nonprofits typically spend 75%+ on programs.
How can I verify Detroit Techno Foundation's tax-exempt status?
You can verify Detroit Techno Foundation's tax-exempt status using EIN 204735521 on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) at apps.irs.gov/app/eos. You can also request copies of their Form 990 directly from the organization, as they are required by law to provide them upon request.
AI Transparency Report
The Detroit Techno Foundation exhibits a fluctuating financial history, with recent revenue at $471,923 and assets of $47,034. While the organization has maintained zero liabilities across all reported periods, indicating sound financial management in avoiding debt, its revenue has been inconsistent. For instance, revenue dropped from $45,000 in 2014 to $0 in 2015 and then to $2,000 in 2016 before its latest reported figure. This volatility could pose challenges for long-term program planning and sustainability. The organization's consistent reporting of 0% officer compensation across all available filings suggests a strong commitment to directing funds towards its mission rather than executive salaries, which is a positive indicator of financial efficiency and donor trust. However, without detailed expense breakdowns beyond total expenses, it's challenging to fully assess spending efficiency across programs, administration, and fundraising.